WEST FARMINGTON Police arrest teen on arson charges

Officials said the fires were set July 21. All the fires were set in a two-block area, officials said. By PEGGY SINKOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WEST FARMINGTON -- A 17-year-old West Farmington boy has been arrested on charges that he caused eight fires in the township this summer. Detectives Anthony Leshnack and Rick Tackett of the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office arrested the boy Friday and charged him with two counts of aggravated arson, six counts of arson and one misdemeanor count of criminal damaging. Sheriff officials refused to release the name of the juvenile but said he is housed in the juvenile justice center. The juvenile is expected to appear in court next week. Prosecutors could not be reached to find out if the youth will be tried as an adult. Officials said the fires were set July 21. All the fires were set in a two-block area, officials say. The fires caused damage to several homes, cars and Pebbie's Country Store. Residents afraid: A woman answering the phone at the store said she was pleased an arrest has been made. She said residents had been fearful since the fires. Deidre Bailey, who was not at home when her front porch furniture was set ablaze, said that she had trouble sleeping after the arson. Pauline Kurtz, store owner, has said she could think of no reason why the building that houses her business and apartments occupied by two families would have been targeted. "We are very glad we were able to make an arrest on this case," said Sheriff Thomas Altiere. "We spent a lot of time on this and the detectives did a great job." The sheriff's department and residents said the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department helped keep the damage from the arsons at a minimum by its quick response. sinkovich@vindy.com

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